Pike Fold Primary School

Pike Fold is a large primary school in Blackley, North Manchester. As a school we have many strengths and these include our strong emphasis on a values system that underpins all aspects of school life. We have a strong commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience a creative and energising curriculum. This results in good academic progress and attainment as well as a strong sense of community which extends beyond the school gates to Blackley Village.

We are passionate that the school flourishes by providing a positive and stimulating learning environment, we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful school with grounds that support and enhance our children’s learning.At Pike Fold we value every child and encourage them all to develop socially, emotionally, academically and physically to achieve their full potential in every aspect of life. We aim for all of our children to leave Pike Fold as life- long learners who have academic skills and emotional resilience to take on any challenges that they may encounter. Your school days are meant to be the best days of your life and we strive to make this a reality for the children who come to our school.We have a fantastic, dedicated team of talented and caring staff whose aim is to ensure progress for all of our children.These aims are summed up in our motto, created by our pupils “Where Stars Sparkle”

There are approximately 374 children on roll, of which 52 have fulltime places in the Nursery. The school follows Manchester’s Admissions Policy, and before entering school, children and parents are invited to visit us. A responsible adult who is known to school must collect Foundation Stage pupils. We hope that your child will transfer to the main school. Our school is a two-form entry school organised in year groups of mixed ability. We have close links with other primary schools and with The Co-operative Academy.From September 2014 Pike Fold Primary School have adapted their Curriculum in line with the new Government Guidelines. Provided in the files is an overview of each year groups curriculum with direct reference to the new National Curriculum.

The school has a governing body made up of representatives from the school staff, parents, members of the community and representatives of the Local Authority. The parent governors are nominated for the position as and when vacancies arise. However if you are interested in joining the Governing body you can become a co-opted member who does not have voting rights. The Governors oversee everything that happens in school.

All pupils are given homework. This may range from words in Reception to practice S.A.T. papers in Year 6. All homework supports activities which have been studied in school. If you are unsure about how to help your child, do not hesitate to contact the appropriate class teacher.

The general behaviour of all our children inside and outside the classroom sets a tone for the school.Parents will be contacted if extremes of bad behaviour such as bullying, repeated aggressiveness, blatant disobedience and general anti-social behaviour are exhibited. If you feel that there has been an incident that we may not be aware of, please inform us. We hope that parents will take an active interest in their child’s behaviour during their school life.

Bullying is taken very seriously and forms part of our Behaviour Policy. We acknowledge that bullying exists in society but we strive to eradicate it and provide a safe and secure environment for all. Parents will be informed if extremes of bad behaviour such as bullying, repeated aggressiveness to others, blatant disobedience and generally anti-social behaviour are exhibited.

The underlying principle of the school's policy for providing for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a step-by-step or graduated approach. This is consistent with the Department for Education (DfE) Code of Practice for pupils with SEN. The graduated approach recognises that children learn in different ways and at different rates. If observations and assessments show that children have Special Educational Needs then this leads to levels of additional support known as SEN Support.

If a child is felt to have needs beyond this level then a request can be made for a Statutory Assessment. This could lead to an Education and Healthcare Plan by the Local Education Authority which would specify what additional support a pupil needs, including funding to provide such support. For the majority of children their needs are met through differentiated provision. Some pupils need more support and an individual education plan (IEP) is prepared to meet their needs.

A small minority of children are referred for additional external assessment to identify specific needs and the school receives advice on how to ensure their needs are met. The school works closely with outside agencies eg educational psychologists, speech and language therapists etc, to ensure our pupils receive first class support. Children’s progress is regularly reviewed and meetings are held with parents, class teachers and the SENCO.

Parents are valued as co-educators. We have parental reviews twice a year, including children with Additional (previously referred to as Special) Needs. There are also induction meetings where parents can meet their child’s new class teacher. We welcome parents as volunteer teaching assistants. If you are interested please make an appointment with the administrator who will apply for DBS clearance. This clearance is required for everyone who works in school.